Lionel Messi, the legendary football player, recently revealed a surprising fact about Barcelona’s strong dislike for a Premier League club, even more than their rivalry with Real Madrid. This confession came during an interview with the News of the World back in 2005 when Messi was just a teenager.
The animosity between Barcelona and Chelsea peaked after a dramatic Champions League last-16 clash, where Chelsea made a memorable comeback at Stamford Bridge. The tension escalated when Jose Mourinho made controversial comments about the referee following a red card incident involving Didier Drogba in the first leg.
In 2006, Messi openly expressed Barcelona players’ disdain for Chelsea, stating that some of them actually hated Chelsea more than Real Madrid. This statement surprised Messi himself, as he never expected to feel this way about any other team. The intensity of the rivalry was compared to historic football rivalries like Boca Juniors vs. River Plate or Brazil vs. Argentina.
Despite facing tough challenges on the pitch, Messi delivered outstanding performances for Barcelona, helping the team secure victories against Chelsea and eventually winning the Champions League. However, Messi later reflected on a 2012 Champions League defeat to Chelsea as one of his biggest regrets during his time at Barcelona.
Looking back at his career with Barcelona, Messi expressed his desire to have won more Champions League titles and highlighted the missed opportunities, including the semi-final losses to Liverpool and Chelsea. These setbacks prevented Barcelona from reaching additional finals and potentially winning more prestigious titles.
Messi’s revelations shed light on the competitive spirit and intense rivalries that define football at the highest level. The passion and determination of players like Messi contribute to the rich history of the sport, creating unforgettable moments for fans around the world.
